Why West Brom fans should be excited by their new signings

Joleon Lescott is one of four Albion signings so far this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

With four new players already brought in – and some more on the way – West Brom’s transfer business so far this summer window has been promising.

The club released a large chunk of the squad at the end of last season so there was a necessity to bring in new players and put some meat on the bones of the team.

Typically in the past Albion have dawdled in the market, waiting for the days to pass by and rushing into a panic buy on the final day. Not this time, though.

By West Brom’s standards, this has been a very productive and systematic window so far. Four new recruits have been signed – Craig Gardner, Joleon Lescott, Chris Baird, Sebastian Pocognoli – and they’ve all featured in pre-season training. Of course the club hasn’t had much choice for the squad was so bare but deals have been wrapped up with relative ease.

Gardner agreed to join in June, Lescott is an ex-England international with bundles of experience, Baird can adequately deputise in a variety of positions and Pocognoli is a highly regarded left-back. What’s more is chairman Jeremy Peace has again been careful with expenditure, spending just £1million on the above four names (three free agents, Pocognoli for fee). These are players with experience, versatility and good reputations. Importantly, too, these are players with personalities that wont upset the dressing room, which was an all too common theme in 2013-14.

But the business isn’t done yet. Now what’s needed is a top quality, talismanic striker. Emmanuel Riviere was linked this window but has joined Newcastle, so attention must be turned elsewhere. Everybody concerned with the club knows Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino aren’t sufficient so Peace is going to have to fork out for a marquee player. However unlikely this idea may seem.

Add in another winger, and full-back, then the team is starting to take shape. There are youngsters waiting in the wings prepared to stand up if needs be – coach Alan Irvine has expressed a desire to usher them in – and this will help in filling out the numbers.

Progress has been pleasing and the new lads appear to have integrated well. Now it’s about taking it up a gear and channeling all energy and effort into the attacking department, because that is an area where we really are struggling.